Miguel Cardoso opens up on releasing Downs starlets for U20 World Cup | OneFootball

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Cardoso sheds light on the release of Downs stars for U20 World Cup

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/ BackPagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up on the club’s release of five players for the under 20 FIFA World Cup.

Amajita departed for Chile on Tuesday, where the global showpiece is set to be staged from 27 September to 20 October 2025.

Sundowns have released more players than any other club, with Asekho Tiwani, Thato Sibiya, Gomolemo Kekana, Siyabonga Mabena and Kutlwano Letlhaku given the green light to jet off.

With Mabena and Letlhaku heavily involved in the senior team this season, the Downs mentor says the club takes pride with serving the national team regardless of the players’ status in Chloorkop.

“Regarding the national team players, we also have Thato Sibiya and [Asekho] Tiwani and we are absolutely excited about the fact that they are going to the World Cup. So, for us it’s a pleasure to give players even that are on the first XI in the squad and not be selfish on this and give players for the country,” said Cardoso.

Cardoso went on to reveal the quintet was released in a bid to allow them to accumulate international experience for the future benefit of Sundowns.

“We think that this experience will bring the players back on a higher level and that’s why they are going with pleasure. So, for us it’s a big pleasure and for me as a coach it’s a fantastic opportunity to see the boys at the highest level,” he added.

“Of course, playing at Sundows, they are also at the highest level, but I could not be selfish and the discussions that we have together with Mr. Flemming [Berg] regarding the development of our players and with the board of the club – we decided these boys have to go. We believe that when they come back, they will be better players, so that’s our expectation.